By Janae Ashton
When Jenny Butler lived in Hawaii last summer, she saw a video at the visitor''s center about Joseph Smith and was touched by the acting and the Spirit. Now she can feel that same spirit in the comfort of her own home.
Church members who received the Ensign magazine this month also received the same DVD called 'The First Vision.'
This DVD introduces viewers to Joseph Smith and then takes them through the history of the restoration of the LDS Church. Elder Featherstone - who is from Salt Lake City and serving a couples mission in Palmyra - said the video is shown daily at the visitors'' center.
'It doesn''t really go into the persecution,' Featherstone said. 'It''s all positive, very upbeat and very, very sacred.'
Butler, a BYU graduate from South Jordan, said although she thinks the old movies are good, this new one can really apply to everyone.
'It''s just such an incredible video,' Butler said.
In order to reach audiences of all faiths, it is important that it can apply to everyone. Featherstone said he has seen only good responses from those he''s been with during the video.
'We really and truly have to keep boxes of Kleenex on hand,' Featherstone said. 'It''s very emotional for the people. It''s a wonderful film.'
Featherstone said he has talked to people who are non-members -- who have made up their mind they will not convert -- and they can''t help but be touched by the story and the feeling they get in those historic places.
The actor who plays Joseph Smith is great, and he adds to the special spirit of the video, Butler said.
'The Joseph Smith they use is really good,' she said. 'The way they portray him is really good, and you can really feel what he is experiencing.'
She said the 'special spirit' comes from both the storyline, but also from the way the movie was shot, and Featherstone agreed.
'The fact is, it''s filmed in the area , the actors are terrific, the scenery is wonderful and sacred ... and it''s true,' Featherstone said.
Butler compared 'The First Vision' video to ones she has seen at other churches.
'I remember going to see different church videos, like from different churches, and they just lack something that this one has, and I think people will really be able to see that and feel it!' Butler said.
Susan Easton Black, a BYU professor of church history and doctrine, said she was involved with the original script and that she has met the man who played the role of Joseph.
She also said she thinks highly of the cast that was selected and the setting where it was filmed.
'It''s absolutely wonderful,' Black said.